Using traditional food preservation methods was a way of life in Bobette Von Bergen’s household.

“My mother always froze and canned [produce], and I cook from scratch so I rarely bought anything,” she said. “It’s just so easy to do some of this if you’ve got freezer space and time. You could cut down on grocery bills.”

Von Bergen’s Country Market in Hebron, which sells in-season produce, serves as a resource on food preservation methods. In recent years, beginning around the time when the recession hit, Von Bergen noticed more customers showing interest in canning vegetables and salsas. Higher food prices that agricultural economists have forecast for 2013 may push more consumers to explore ideas to stretch their dollars.

After last summer’s drought, consumers can expect to pay 3 percent to 4 percent more for groceries this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported.

The drought generally drove up feed prices, which in turn raised milk, eggs, beef, poultry and pork prices. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beef prices as a whole could see the biggest jump, from 4 percent to 5 percent.

Dairy product prices are forecast to climb 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent; poultry and egg prices are projected to rise 3 percent to 4 percent; and pork prices are expected to rise 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent in 2013, the agency said.

“In 2013, as a result of this drought, we are looking at above-normal food price inflation. ... Consumers are certainly going to feel it,” USDA economist Richard Volpe has said.

The nonprofit Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva works with food manufacturers and retailers to collect food and funds for more than 600 agencies and groups, including the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and the FISH Food Pantry in McHenry. The food bank’s discounted prices generally are flat year after year for local pantries.